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by
Pearl-Grace Rasmussen

ANCHORAGE -- Like many other kinds of bullying, many students are reluctant to report it

often times.

Cyberbyllinging.

It's been a form of harassment that officials say has become prevalent in the technological age.

"It's any time that somebody uses the internet text messaging," said Anne Morgester, Librarian for the Anchorage School District. "E-mail are also used to create a negative environment for someone else."

The Anchorage School District has various lessons about digital safety, but there is only so much they say they can do.

"It's very hidden and the only way for ASD or any organization is to [have the children] speak up about it because it's invisible to the people around you," said Morgester.

Cyberbullying has affected youth all around the nation, and in Alaska law makers are making sure that those victims are protected and the perpetrators are penalized.

"Someone who is abusing the freedom of speech and causing harm to someone," adds Senator Kevin Meyer. "You need a law like this to protect them as well."

Senate Bill 128 was passed last Wednesday.

The bill criminalizes electronic harassment of minors, making it illegal to repeatedly send electronic communications that taunt a person under 18.